Iron Butt Rally 2013

The Iron Butt Rally, is an 11,000 mile, eleven day event that cris-crosses the USA and Canada every couple years. But its really a twenty month adventure that begins with "Congratulations".

When I received the letter, I was both excited and worried. What have I gotten myself into? So much time to obsess. Plenty of time to assess and update the bike and gear for the biggest riding challenge so far.

I ride a 2005 Yamaha FJR 1300. It has 57,000 trouble free miles. I've tuned and adjusted most of the bike for previous rallies. This time, my biggest concern is tire life. I have to ride 2500 miles to the start in Pittsburgh, PA, ride the 11,000 miles, and then ride home again.  That's 16,000 miles. The front Michelin PR3 will make that easily, but the rear usually only lasts 12-13k. I made the decision to follow other LD riders to the dark side, an appropriate and well tested Michelin Pilot Exalto car tire.  Strange as it seems, this works well, and will go 30k miles!

My goal was to be rally-ready by Memorial day weekend, 30 days before my June 26 departure.  Mission accomplished. I went through the tank bag, clearing out old maps and debris. I added calendar of Giants games and NASCAR races.  Hydration hoses were changed out to new silicone ones. Easy Pass (east coast toll system) mounted behind the windscreen..

Wednesday June 26 - Departure for Pittsburgh, PA.
I left Fremont CA around 4AM. Its great getting out of town before the morning traffic.  The cool air feels good, and it gets me through the central valley and into the mountains before the heat build up. The majority of my route is a fast slab ride across I-80.

The last Utah 1088 Rally gets started Thursday so I decided to stop in at Rally HQ in Salt Lake City for a rest stop and to say hi to friends. After an hour  it was onward across Wyoming, stopping in Rawlins. A good day.

Thursday June 27 - Crossing the plains
Another early start, with miles of rolling grassland, transitioning into corn.  Stopped for the night in Ottowa IL.

Friday June 28 - Arrival in Pittsburgh
Arrived at the Cranberry Township Marriott Friday afternoon.  Lots of bikes and riders fiddling, packing, unpacking and milling around.  Checked in and got comfortable. Saw lots of old and new friends.

In the lobby, a poster indicated the theme of this years IBR - Planes Trains and Automobiles.

Saturday June 29 - Sign in and Tech inspection
Saturday consisted of standing in line for Video statements, SWAG pickup, camera card check, and tech inspection.

I attended the mandatory rookie briefing. The rally is supposed to be fun, but its also serious business with significant risk. This was the meeting where we were all encouraged to ride within our limits, manage fatigue and come back safe and in one piece.

Having met all the requirements and been in all the lines, I was now officially in the rally.

Sunday June 30 - Banquet, Briefing and Bonuses

This was a rather mellow day, until the banquet. We hit the buffet for what would be our last relaxed meal for 11 days. Then the rally packets were passed out. When we were allowed to open them, things got serious. We were excused and everyone went ot their rooms and desks. Plotting their perfect route

Monday July 1 - We're off!

Nature's cruel sense of humor dictated that we should stand in the rain, waiting for the start. Chief tech inspector and starter Dale Wilson gathered us for a final meeting. His main message - Don't F_ up! Do not make Lisa open the red folder (the infamous folder containing the emergency contact information for each rider.)

With that done we went to our bikes, and waited for 10AM. Dale motioned for each rider to pull away in a carefully choreographed exit. We had police escort out to the highway, where we were on on our own.

That's me, second from left

The first bonus  was captured. There is something just wrong about an ATM built into an Amish Buggy.

Next stop the Henry Ford museum. This was a big bonus, but it had a big requirement. Take photos of 25 different vehicles and exhibits.  If any photos were missing or incorrect - no bonus.  The museum was swarmed by wet riders with cameras and rally flags.

All went well, until my camera died with two pictures left to shoot. I retrieved my backup camera and captured the last two.

Onward to Detroit, to the Underground Railroad Memorial. The rain had stopped. Additional bonuses in Michigan created a corkscrew route around the state. The last daylight bonus was the Auburn Cord museum. it was a daylight only bonus, shot as the last light faded. One more bonus captured and a suitable hotel room ended my day.

Tuesday July 2 - North to Canada
Made a bee line north to the Macninac bridge. This is a high, narrow bridge with a transparent steel grate roadbed. Don't look down when you're on a bike.

Then the path led to the Canadian border into Ontario. No problems entering, just on vacation.  Right past the border was the Bush Pilot museum. Then north to S Saint Marie to photo a marker. The marker was missing, but the stone surround  would do.

From there, it was east to two unique structures. Big Chute Marine Railway and Kirkfield Lift Lock.

No more available bonuses, except the rest bonus.  I found a hotel in Peterborough, Ontario for the night,  Seemed like a nice place. Didn't notice this until the next morning.

There were four rooms taped off for a crime scene investigation.  investigators in bunny suits were preparing to enter each for evidence collection.

Wednesday July 3 - Over the falls, Back to the USA

Busy day. visited the Canoe museum, and assorted other monuments.  A high value bonus was the Whirlpool Aerocar.  Its cable car that travels out over the whirlpools below Niagara Falls.  Tourists snapped my picture, and I took a picture for Gregg Lenentine, another rider on board.

Crossing back into New York was hot and slow.

Once over, I headed though the forests to an air museum, a Soaring museum, and the site of a Civil War train wreck. Then on to the eastern end of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  Each Turnpike Plaza from Philly to Pittsburgh was worth 100 points , but you needed a receipt.. My trunk filled with mints, and gum.  Around 11, I packed in at a hotel.

Thursday, July 4 - Last stops before the checkpoint.  I headed further down the PA turnpike for a few more Turnpike Plazas. Then north to the Youngstown Incline. Its a steep railway/elevator for cars that takes you down the mountainside.  Then up to the first oil well in North America.  Finally, up to Lake Erie for a picture of the ship Niagara.

From there it was back to Cranberry Township, Checkpoint 1.

Tired but smiling

 Here I made a significant mistake.  During scoring, I forgot to claim my call in bonus. 1000 points lost. Still, I was at 14.495 points. 2804 miles. Time to check in, rest and be ready for 6AM

July 5 Friday - Leg 2

This was the shortest  leg, time wise, 65 hours. The minimum mileage would be 2500+ back to Sacramento. At 6AM, we received the next bonus list.  It included up to 34 Pony express stop markers, Pikes Peak, a few museums, graveyards and a ride on a trolley.  I started with the Pittsburgh Trolley museum. Riders packed in on the trolley for a ride, during which we needed to take a photo at a particular point along the way. Next was a marker where the Spirit of St Louis once landed, and Eddy Rickenbacker's grave. Then it was westward to Colorado Springs. After a picture of the Airplane Restaurant, It was time to ascend Pikes Peak.

I have a new respect for Pikes Peak racers. There is no room for mistakes, or guard rails!  At the top, I ran to get pictures of the Cog Railway train, and my bike.

I nearly passed out.  Not much oxygen at 14,000 feet.  Rested, breathed deeply. Time to descend.

Bike will not start. Altitude was a little beyond the computer's map.  A couple travelers gave me a push to get things going downhill, and all was well.

After a quick museum sign picture, I headed west again. Facing a major storm cell, I stopped in Rifle CO for the night and rest bonus. The storm hit hard just after I checked in.

July 6 Saturday
I headed out across I-70 for  the west. Not much to do or see for the day.

Somewhere long the road, the heat, rain and abuse delaminated the sole from my right boot.  Duct tape to the rescue.

Checking in to a hotel, another guest told the clerk  to take good care of me "This guy's an Iron butt on a big rally. He needs a room fast and a good nights sleep." then he helped carry my gear to the room!

July 7 Sunday - The Loneliest Road 

I-70 met up with US 50, the Loneliest road in America.  The sunrise over the desert was beautiful.   US 50 has a few Pony Express markers, and the "Loneliest Road" sign.

  My last two stops were the Donner Pass Memorial, and A&S BMW in Roseville. I arrived at the checkpoint to a cheering CA crowd, and many friends.

Leg 2 finished

 Scoring went without a hitch. Every bonus approved.  19,065 points for Leg 2. 2,775 miles. Check in, shower, rest repeat.

July 8 Monday -Leg three starts. and almost ends

At 6AM, we got our new bonus list. Started off normal enough. A few more Pony Express markers, the CA Rail Museum, and the Golden Gate Bridge - both ends.  Then the fun starts.  We needed a photo of the submarine docked at Pier 39, and the last Pony express marker on the Embarcadero. I was on the same path as another rider, who got a crash course in lane-splitting  as I parted the cars for an exit down  US 101.

I noticed a my rear brake was not feeling right. I lived nearby, so I called the rally master to let her know I was stopping to change the rear brake pads.  What I found was much worse.  The rear caliper had overheated and warped into a useless hunk of metal.  I'm screwed.

I called the rally master again. She encouraged me to post on the lists and call dealers, etc.  Tom M. called me and said he knew a guy nearby, Allan P. who might be able to help.  Allan called and came to the house on his 04 FJR.  He graciously removed his caliper and put it on my bike.  We bled it out and he went off while I test rode it.  Unfortunately, there were bigger problems. The ABS was locking the rear brake.  A call to Andrew, a friend from Sport-Touring.net, and he was over with tools and great knowledge. He bypassed the ABS, converting my rear brake to normal operation. Amazing. It was now 10:30PM. 9 hours lost.

I sat down and planned a new final leg to get me to the finish with enough points. Then slept.

July 9 Tuesday - Heading south. 

At dawn, I collected the first daylight bonus in San Martin, then another farther down 101.  I stopped at the Motorcycle Museum in Solvang as well. Then it was down to Burbank for the Folded Wings Memorial.  Next stop - Planes of Fame - Chino.

After a long hot desert ride, I stopped in Kingman and Seligman, AZ for bonuses. Next stop Grand Canyon. I got the Rail Station photo just before sunset, after riding through a herd of elk in the park.

On the way back out, I snapped a photo of the Blue Angels Skyhawk.

Finally stopped late in Winslow AZ.  What a fine sight to see.

July 10 Wednesday  - Spaced out
Headed to Alamogordo NM, to pay respects to Ham the Space Chimp.  Then to Roswell and the UFO research center,  Then the long flat ride across Texas.  Went to Lubbock and the Silent Wings Museum. then on towards Galveston.  I needed to stop the clock before midnight for the next rest bonus. The choice was Comanche, TX.  Another rider was already checked in. The bike was easy to spot.  I stayed from 10:27 to 5:23, 7 hours.

July 11 Thursday - the final push.
Despite all my progress, I had one big bonus and lots of miles ahead if I was to finish.  The computer said I could ride all night and arrive at 7:23AM, before the checkpoint opened.  Knowing this would be very hard, I did all my rally score sheets and arranged everything the night before.  I had two goals; ride the Port Bolivar Ferry, and get to Cranberry.

All went well across Texas and I bagged the ferry bonus on time.

 Onward to Cranberry.  The route took me through Louisiana and Baton Rouge.  At the junction of 10 and 12, another powerful storm pounded down on me. Water was standing 2 inches deep on the highway. Slowed but not stopped, I carried on.

Mississippi and Alabama were warm, but very pretty. It was just a nice ride north. As darkness fell, I was  in the hill country of Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.  Storms raged to my left and right, lighting the sky in wild colors while I stayed dry.

July 12 - Last 8 hours
Then the fog arrived.  Thick, white, see-50 ft fog. Again, I'm screwed.  Somehow, it didn't slow down the trucks.  I  followed various trucks at full speed through the fog, counting on their experience and knowledge of the route. Still I was getting very tired. The concentration was exhausting.

Dawn broke and my biological clock was happy to have me awake again. Unfortunately, now my GPS showed me bad news. I was now arriving closer to 9AM,  an hour into penalty points.  The road got better and was actually great fun to ride in the daylight.   I made up about 20 minutes.

The scene at the finish was amazing. I first rode to where we started, and then realized I need to be at the lobby entrance. As I rolled up. cameras flashed, workers reminded me to turn off the bike, put the kickstand down, and then we ran to the finish check in.  8:46 AM. Finished, or did I?

I took my carefully prepared score sheet, flag, rider card, camera, and memory stick to the scoring table.  One bonus was denied for inadequate proof of daylight hours, but my total was 61,166, more than enough to be an official finisher.  9,564 rally miles.  Check in, Shower, 3 hour nap.

Awards Banquet
I met my goals:  Be safe, have fun,finish. I finished 51st of 67 finishers. There were 29 DNFs..  I am in awe of the scores of top finishers Many who scored 50% more points and rode almost 50% farther.

I'm also eternally grateful to the help and support from so many that saved my rally from total disaster with mechanical aid and expertise.

The big picture:

SPoT Satellite track of my trip

The Ride Home.

The long ride home was anti-climactic, No bonuses to gather - just 2680 miles.  My only bonuses were home and family. Both were worth the ride.

Mark Starrett
IBA 492

Ten'n'Ten 2012

The 2012 Ten'n'Ten Rally launched again from Salt Lake City, Utah August 23, and I was happy to be back for the challenge. Two years ago, MERA hosted the inaugural Ten'n'Ten Rally. I finished, but fell short of my goals for the event and was eager to improve at this year's rally.

The rally has a unique format. The rally "starts" thirty days earlier, when the rally pack and bonus listings are delivered via email at midnight mountain time. I poured over the list and entered them into mapping software, until the wee hours. After a week, a plan developed.  There was a 48 state bonus that provided an interesting route across the US, and there were lots of high value bonus locations that could be reached by stretching the route into some key locations around the country. I committed to a plan, and loaded up the locations into the main and backup GPS units. Next Stop. SLC.

After a 750 mile warm-up ride from Fremont, CA. I arrived at the Holiday Inn near the SLC airport. I checked in with the rally team, and rode the odometer check course. My rally plan was turned in. No additions could be made to my quest from now on. Later that evening, we all had a good pre-rally dinner and meeting.  The rally would start at precisely 10:10 AM Thursday.

Day 1:
10:10 came quickly, and we were all off. Normally, everyone would head off in multiple directions. But there was a special bonus opportunity in Murray UT. We converged on a local indoor range, where arrangements had been made for us to shoot the machine guns of our choice. I chose a HK MP5. Fun!  Others chose the mighty SAW.  As I was leaving, I could hear it firing, through the range walls. Next stop, a local Five Guys, for a burger and a receipt.  As I waited for my burger, Wendy C. popped in, bought a water, and left. Next, it was on to Wendover, UT, for a picture of the hangar where the Enola Gay was prepped for her nuclear mission.

Later I was to visit the Enola Gay in Virginia as part of a large combo bonus. Off to CA to see some bridges.  I stopped at the Auburn Gorge bridge,  for a quick photo. Another rider's bike decided to lie down there, so I helped him wake it up, then left for the Golden Gate. It wasn't too golden, as it was now dark, and completely enveloped in fog. Picture taking proved a challenge, as the police don't like you stopping around the bridge. Still, I found away, and then headed through the city for my first nights rest, at home! It was a short stop - 5 hours.

Day 2:
4AM  came too quickly an it was off to Kernville airport for anothe unique experience, lawnmower racing.  After some quick instructions, I turned couple "fast laps". Those things do not handle!

Time to head for San Diego.

I made good time and arrived at the USS Midway for a quick picture- one of three needed for a big combo bonus. I also took the opportunity to collect water from the bay, qualifying as the Pacific ocean.

Then it was off to New Mexico. Traffic did not cooperate, and by 10:30, I stopped in Tucson for the night, since there was no place to stop for the night in the next 200 miles.

Day 3:
Headed out to Roswell, NM for a couple bonuses. Riding through White Sands was beautiful, as I slipped over the southern end of the continental divide.  The desert heat was in full effect.

Next stop, Fort Worth. Along the way, I stopped at Kermit, TX, part of a progressive bonus honoring Ken Morton, winner of the first Ten n Ten.

On the way to Ft. Worth, the radar shows a strong storm cell over the highway ahead. I ducked into a mini mart, and watched for it to pass. The cell overturned a truck and caused havoc on the highway. Once it cleared, I moved on through a lighter rain. Along the way, I stopped at the WASP museum, and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.  A night at Holiday Inn Express closed out the day.

Day 4:
Part of my plan was visiting 48 states, so from Ft Worth it was up to Oklahoma, then across to Arkansas, on the way to Louisiana. It was now steaming hot. Hurricane Isaac was passing over Florida on it's way into the gulf.  It was fun riding the highway as it passed over the bayous and swamps on the way into New Orleans.

 I needed to visit a voodoo princess' grave, but the cemetery was locked, so a gate photo met the requirement.

Next it was Biloxi, MS. I visited the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier.  The grounds were closed, but a helpful security guard showed me a good spot to take the photo through the fence. I also stopped to gather water from the gulf on Biloxi beach. It was sunny and beautiful, but no one was there. Evacuation was already starting, so the beach was empty.

I needed a photo of the USS Alabama. I arrived in Mobile at dusk, and just got the picture before the ship disappeared.

 Swung through the Florida Panhandle, then back into AL, stopping in Evergreen for the night.

Day 5:
Georgia was a next stop, visiting Stone Mountain, and a gun-shaped BBQ smoker.

I cut through the corner of South Carolina and into North Carolina.  I stopped at Biltmore Estate for  a photo of the sign - You can't even see the estate without paying for a ticket.

Into Tennessee. I headed for the holiest of NASCAR shrines- Bristol Motor Speedway.  It was Monday, and the race was on Saturday night. I needed a picture of the raceway, and a program.   Iwas a little late, as the last vendor was packing up, and there were only a few t-shirts available. No bonus, still, it was impressive.

The next stop was another Kermit. This time in WV. The roads through Kentucky explain why so many road racers come from here. They also benefit from massive pork-barrel spending. Beautiful winding high speed roads with no traffic!  Wound my way into Kermit in mountain pitch blackness.  Getting out was another thing.  The GPS refused to route me out.  Friendly locals gave better instructions - down to the double crossing, turn left, follow to the old bank with the white columns, turn left to the big highway ,and turn left towards Virginia.  Worked like a charm, and I spent the night in Charlotte WV.

Day 6:
First stop, Shenandoah National Park, Then on across Virginia to the National Air and Space Museum near Dulles Airport. This is an amazing location, and I could have easily spent the day, or week there.  As it was, a picture of the Enola Gay, and the Discovery shuttle would do.

Now I headed into DC. I was trying to get to the Pentagon Memorial, but there was no parking and absolutely no photography. Arggghh!  Headed to Ford's Theater, but determined that I would be late for John Wilkes Booth's grave. It was worth more, and I headed there in gridlock traffic.  Arrived 15 minuts before closing.

Then it was on to Dover Delaware. Visited the Monster Mile (another NASCAR location) and snapped "Miles".

A short dinner at Chipotle, and off to New Jersey via Pennsylvania.  I found my way to the Rosicrucian Pyramid.  A couple large barking and snarling dogs barred my path to the bonus. A quick call to the RM and a Spot "OK" secured my bonus.  I then crossed into New Jersey and found a hotel for the night.

 I was now 6 hours behind schedule.

Day 7:

New York City!  Rode over the Verrazano Narrows bridge, and down around to the base for a good photo. Bridge bonus secured! Back over the bridge to Staten island for a view of Lady Liberty. I stumbled across Liberty Park and had an excellent vantage point.

Then it was through the Holland Tunnel into the city.  Although it was only 7AM, the place was hopping. Traffic was terrible.  I found my way to  Ground Zero, but the construction and police presence made a photo or visit impossible.  Time to move on.  Next it was up to Terrrytown, for a  picture of Rough Point.  Once again GPS refused to route bme into Rhode Island.  In the process I missed the Rhode Island Statehouse bonus.  I did go down into Newport. What a beautiful spot. Visited America's oldest pub, The Breakers Estate, the Egypt Air Memorial, and gathered water from the Atlantic.

Passed through Connecticut, and visited another battleship in Fall River Massachusetts, then headed north into New Hampshire, and then to Maine. I had a freshly baked calzone in Kittery, ME for dinner.  No Lobster anywhere! Now every mile would bring me closer to the finish.

I traveled to the covered bridge, then into Springfield, VT for the night.

Day 8:
Visited the Washington Memorial in Bennington, VT, and then dripped into upstate New York.  Stopped at the Jello Museum where some nice little old ladies took my picture and asked if I'd had my breakfast Jello!

Niagra Falls was a special treat. Much more impressive than I expected.

 The rest of upstate New York, not so much.  I took a quick side trip to Lake Erie, gathering Great Lake water. Another combo bonus done!

Headed into Cleveland, now about 12 hours behind.  There were two bonuses located in the shadow of the Cleveland Browns' stadium.  Unfortunately, a game was about to start, and there was incredible traffic.  Managed one photo. Picked up Michigan and Illinois, then stopped for the night.

Day 9: Headed up to Chicago.  I really messed up and couldn't find either brewery. The museum wouldn't open for another hour. Oh well, off towards Nebraska. I had originally planned to go to Wisconsin and Minnesota, but the loss of time meant routes needed shortening.  Also, Hurricane Isaac had trashed New Orleans, and its waves of rain and wind were centered over Kansas and Missouri. So straight across Iowa into Nebraska it was, stopping just short of Sydney for the night.

At this point, I was pretty fried. I decided to sleep later, have a good breakfast and then head straight to SLC.

Day 10:
Morning came, and I was off. I decided to drop into Colorado, as far as Ft. Collins, and get a bonus. I also stopped at a Wyoming fireworks establishment.  There was a bonus to bring back a non-firecracker firework for a bonus. Back on 80, I headed up over the continental divide again.  Near Rawhide, a major storm cell sent me for shelter.  it pelted the area wit hail, and lots of lightning. It passed in about 30 minutes, and I continued on toward Salt Lake.

I encountered another storm at the Utah line, but it was more rain than anything, and I pushed through. I arrived at the hotel around 6PM. Tired, and a little bit disappointed, wondering if I really wanted to do  this any more, or if I should cancel my IBR entry.

Seeing Steve's smiling face and the welcomes of Cletha, Eric and others at the finish made it all worthwhile.  I  checked in, cleaned up, and joined the gang in the bar for my first beer in 10 days, along with the best steak I ever ate :)  Then I went to my room, and sorted the collection of receipts and checked the photos against the list of bonuses I had submitted. Satisfied, I slept.

Finish:

After a nice breakfast, It was down for scoring.  The number of bonuses captured was encouraging.  Its easy to get discouraged by the missed bonuses and route changes during the rally, but seeing how many I did get cheered me up.  Over 90 locations visited and documented.  Other riders rolled in, with Ken M the last in. Every one made it back safe and sound.

The awards banquet was as fun as ever - good food and company.   I was astounded and pleased to place tenth, with just under 400,000 points, 38 states and 8500 miles.  To contrast, Ken M won with almost 800k points and 11,000 plus miles. WOW!











After the awards, we retired to the bar for BS and stories. A few of the fireworks found their way out to the patio, which were fun until the front desk reached their fun limit.

Home:
Monday was another travel day - the 768 miles back to Fremont. It was strange  just riding home, without a schedule or a bonus to get. I got home safely. No mechanical problems, and the only failure was my radar detector, which drowned west of Ft Worth and never recovered.  I still hope it will dry out and work again.

Thanks to MERA and Steve for putting on another great adventure.

Finishing the Tour

This spring,I signed up for the 2012 Tour of Honor, a self-guided tour of veterans memorials across the country. Proceeds from the tour go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Tour is structured much like a rally. Visiting each memorial in a state or region and photographing it with your bike and flag qualifies you as a finisher. By June, I'd visited all but two in California. The problem was, I live in the Bay Area,and the two remaining memorials were located in Big Bear, and north of Weed, CA. Each about 350 miles away, and 700 from each other.

Then a ride-to-eat breakfast was announced by the ToH for July 7. With a day off and light holiday traffic, I decided to plan a ride to both, ending at the breakfast. When I put the trip on the map, it measured at least 1400 miles, so I decided to go for a Bun-Burner Gold, 1500 miles in 24 hours.

With start witness forms signed, I headed out from a Chevron station in Fremont, CA at 8:56 AM. Friday morning. Traffic south on 880 and 101 was light, and the temps were in the 70s. I reached the first stop of the day, Paso Robles. Gassed up, got the required receipt and recorded the odometer reading for the log.

Time to head east. Highway 46 crossed over into the central valley and connected to 5 south. Made some good time. 5 connected to 58 east, climbing over Tehachapi Pass and down into the high desert. Temps started rising into the mid 90s as I reached 395 and turned south. A few miles south met 18 east, the back road through Apple Valley into Big Bear.

Here the long straight fast desert roads turned into the steepest, twistiest road I know of, with grades posted at 16%, and multiple hairpin turns posted at 10 and 20 mph. The climb is fast, and Big Bear Lake appears quickly. I made it around to the south side, and stopped at the Big Bear Veterans Memorial Park.

Then it was over to the nearby Chevron, filling both tanks after about 300 miles. It was time to backtrack my route to 99 North. Traffic had slowed my progress, and I was now almost an hour off my planned schedule.  


Sunset came before my next stop, Fresno. I needed to stop again for gas. Although the FJR has a 400+ mile range, The IBA requires a stop every 300 miles. Filled and documented,it was back onto 99. At Stockton, I took hwy 4 west to I-5 north. Next stop, Red Bluff.


It was finally cooling off to a comfortable 70. Gassed and documented, then onward. I passed quickly through Redding, and then turned onto 97 at Weed. About 15 miles further, I turned left into the Living Sculpture Memorial Park about 2:30 AM.

As expected, it was deserted, allowing me to carefully ride up the gravel path to the specific memorial required for the picture. The ground was so soft, even the enlarged pad of the kickstand wanted to sink in. I tossed my street atlas down to act as a pad. Thankfully, there was a very bright moon. Mount Shasta's snow capped peak gleamed in the moonlight. It was now officially cold.


Pictures taken, I motored out and back south on 97. I then cut across A12 to I-5 north to Hornbrook Chevron. The station was closed, but the pumps were on. I had a brief moment of paranoia. As I pulled in, three Cadillac Escalades, two black and one white, pulled into the station with me. Was I crashing an early morning drug buy? Doors opened and kids, moms and dads poured out as they topped off for their family road rip. whew! Next, Chevron decided I've used that card enough today. Used another card, and filled up. 3:30 AM and the last required stop before my planned end point.


I-5 is very different this far north. No longer a super slab, it winds through the forest canyons, and is very challenging if you're trying to keep a good pace. Traffic was sparse, just me and the trucks.


I had one intense moment. Coming around a curve at highway speed, a pickup truck overloaded with lumber appeared in the right lane going about 30. Pays to stay alert. The dawn was breaking, and I was able to enjoy the views of Lake Shasta as I crossed over it on a high bridge.


I reached Corning before 6 and was in a severe caffeine deficit. McDonald's to the rescue. Large coffee, sausage McMuffin recharge. Homestretch. 5 south, 505, 80 west, 680 south to Pleasant Hill.


Rolled into the Chevron, and filled the tank. Final receipt - 7:55 AM. The odometer indicates 1544 miles. The GPS reads 1516 miles, 22:59 hours. Snapped the GPS right after the receipt/.

I rode another block down the street to the Original Pancake House for the ride-to-eat. Stretched out in the shade of a parking lot tree until Steve Brooks and Kim Leong arrived. My documents were witnessed, and we had a celebratory breakfast together.  Kim also received his trophyt for First Place - CA.


 It was a fun ride. Many thanks to Steve Brooks for putting on the Tour of Honor. It's a great excuse to ride, see inspiring memorials, and benefit a worthy cause.

SPoT Track map

The Big Money Rally - First rally of 2012

Winter and early spring are typically devoid of rally and riding opportunities, even in sunny California. The Big Money Rally changed all that. With its open time format and hundreds of bonus locations, it was the perfect excuse to head out into the cold in search of new and obscure locations.

After getting the First bonus list in early January, I downloaded the immense list of small, out of the way post offices. The list was available for the price of a blood or cash Red Cross donation. A worthy cause, and an outstanding value. My schedule is challenging at this time of year, so I decided to do a series of loops from my home in Fremont. The initial goal was to do an all California bonus finish.

Loop One

 
The first loop was dictated by the weather. A loop down through the central California coast. On an early February morning at 5:00 am, I headed south on US 101. With heated vest and insoles, I was quite warm, but my regular gloves were not up to the task, as it was 38 degrees, plus wind chill. A quick change to the insulated cloves did the trick.

The first stop was Greenfield, in the heart of California agriculture. The gps coordinates in the file were way off, but the town was small, so the bonus was collected and I was gone. Next stop, San Lucas. The post office here was a standard prefab model, to be seen a number of times throughout the day.

On to San Ardo. Again, the gps sent me down a dead end. Backtracking, I found the tiny post office. It was complete with a custom carved sign depicting their heritage, oil and farming. Lockwood was another prefab, but the road to it was fun, and deep into rolling hills of the central coast.

Bradley's another small agricultural town, slightly worse for time, forgotten by the thousands zooming past on 101. San Miguel was the next stop. This town showed the beginning of the wine country effect on the region. The town had shops and coffee houses and was more lively.

Next, I headed inland towards Shandon. The postmaster, an elderly woman' was very friendly as I took my bonus picture. She was loading her car for deliveries. Creston was next. Small and untouched by the modern world, only the cars gave any indication of what year it might be. Further inland towards Templeton. Nothing remarkable here. But a much busier town. Or maybe it was just later and more people were out and about.

Next it was out onwards tho coast to Cambria. I love this town. Just enough tourists, and lots of charm and good food. No time for that now. I shot the post office and was heading up highway 1. San Simeon was the next stop. A tiny post office sign on the back of the local store. I headed back south and stopped at Cayucos, a nice small seaside town. Would have liked to hang it there for a while.

On to Avila Beach. Everything in Avila beach is very new. This is because it was found that oil production in the area had turned the entire town into a toxic disaster. The town was leveled, ground scraped clean, and the new town rebuilt. Makes me wonder what swimming there in the seventies did to me!

Next stop, Grover Beach. A busy little town south of Pismo. From there, it was on to Arroyo Grande. The post office was located in a little shop on the corner of nowhere. Time to head back inland.

You see strange things in the middle of nowhere. As I traveled towards New Cayucos, there was a young man running fast away from town. He wasn't out for a jog. As I got closer to town, two cars were stopped in the street, and their owners were in a heated discussion. Not my problem, and the local Sheriff was inbound as I passed. In town, the PO photo was snapped.

One observation. Hanging out at rural post offices reveals a heavy usage of Netflix. Lots of red envelopes in people's hands. Now I was heading into the central valley. I hit 33 and went north to Coalinga for my last bonus location this trip.

33 is an interesting alternative to I-5. Known as the west side highway, it skirts the edge of the immense central valley, and towns like Shafter are part of the trip. Post office snapped, it was a sprint home up 5, across 152 and to 101 880 and home by 10. About 800 miles and 51 points in the books.

Loop Two

For this loop, I chose a route to the deserts and southern Sierra.

 Another 5AM start. This time heading across 152down I-5 and over Tehachapi pass summit. Quick picture, and on Trona. Trona is a smelly mining town on the southern edge of Death Valley. Supposedly almost every mineral has been found and mined here. Next stop, Randsburg.

Another bad gps marker sent me up and back down a nasty washboard dirt road. I later found it had caused the aluminum mounts of my auxiliary tank to crack and fail. Back in town, the post office was found after a few Laps of main street. Now it was time to head out towards Lake Isabella. I stopped at Weldon,Lake Isabella, Bodfish, Wofford heights and Kernville.

The plan was to head over the pass into Glennville. Winding up the road, the surface became sandy and wet, with patches of snow dotting the edges. Nearness top, a sign announced "chains required, treacherous icy conditions". I didn't have chains for the FJR, so it was time to backtrack and head back through hwy 178. It was a fun winding road, following the Kern river back to I-5. From there I was back to the barn, another 800 miles and lots of fun riding.

Loop Three

I really wanted to get the points in and be a finisher, and riding time was getting scarce. So I decided to put in a hard full two day ride starting March 31. Two routes were planned; a northern CA, and a Southey Ca route. Weather decided for me. Rain would pound the north. The south was clear.

5:40AM and I headed for Sequioa National Park. Weather was perfect, am the ride through Lemon Cove smelled wonderful as the lemon blossoms filled the air. Snapped a photo of the park gate and headed south. Next stops, Posey, Glennville and Woody. Really pretty country and fun roads with no traffic.

I headed back over Tehachapi and into the Mojave again. Taking 58 to I-15 north, I exited at Baker, the gateway to my next stop, Death Valley National Park. Did I mention the wind? Since dropping into the desert, the winds were blowing 25-35 mph. Not unmanageable, but tiring and it sure made pictures with the rally flag fun.

Park sign captured, it was back to Shoshone for a PO pic. Next stop was Tecopa, another lost town in the desert. Then it was over Mountain Springs Summit, and down into the great basin. A quick stop in Blue Diamond, NV, and then on towards Las Vegas.

Skirting sin city, past Henderson, and gas in Searchlight. Heading down 95, I came to a dip in the road called Cal Nev Ari. I searched for the post office, and could only find a dingy casino with unsavory folks milling about. I found a resident washing his other pair of clothes at the trailer park laundry. He told me that the PO was located in the seedy casino. I skipped the photo, as I didn't want to leave the bike unattended.

It was now dark and Arizona. Saguaros loomed in the headlights as I headed to Bouse. Next stop, Salome. After Salome. It was time to rest. A room in Blythe put an end of day one, 1000 miles and 17 hours of nonstop fun.

Back on the road a 5AM and on the way to Joshua Tree National Park. A gas stop at Chiriaco Summit(no sign available, but lots of tanks at the Patton museum.) and it was back east. Sand was blowing across the road. After some hunting, I found the Felicity PO. Another strange place that can only exist in a desert. Forgot to take the second picture showing he bike, so no bonus. This section was intensely patrolled by CHP, but the Escort warned me of their position. Stopped in Ocotillo, and passed by Glamis and lots of buggies and bikes ripping up the dunes.

Now I was into San Diego county. Stopped in Jacumba, and then over Laguna summit, where I hit my only rain.

Then it was into San Ysidro for another bonus.I was also starting the Tour of Honor, and went to the SSN San Diego Memorial. Unfortunately, it was only 11:30,and the second bonus pack wouldn't tell me this was also a BMR bonus until I was long gone.

I stopped next at the West Coast Submariner Memorial in Seal Beach. Checking the new bonus list, this wasn't on it.

Into the abyss of Los Angeles. Four POs; Lynwood, South Gate, Compton, and Watts, mid Palm Sunday traffic. I CMOS--entered the Shriners' hospital address, and skipped it. Made a Stop in Pasadena, then headed back home. Another 970 miles, and now a total of 106 points.

Loop four

 The new bonus pack had a nice collection of locations near home for a change. Leaving at 6:30, I headed to Oakland for the Holy Names University, then to San Rafael to Dominican University. Across the Golden Gate to University of San Francisco.

Out of the city, down the peninsula to Notre Dame in Belmont, then to Santa Clara University. I stopped at the Santa Clara Veterans Memorial for the Tour of Honor. The last bonus was the self made home town bonus. I chose the Tesla Auto Plant in Fremont, CA. Three hours and 137 miles later, I was done. The rally site confirmed I was a finisher, with 126 points.

Great fun, and still more riding to do. Five days of riding and almost 4000 miles. Excellent practice for the summer fall season too. Thanks Reno John and there's of the Big Money Rally team, for a fun and challenging new format rally. Using smart phones turned out to be a really effective way to collect bonuses.